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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $118

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 15/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
29 Nov — 6 Dec1
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in March or February, booked 62 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Friday

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Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 30 October 2025.

Thu 27/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Wed 3/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 29/10$232
Fri 28/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Wed 3/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 29/10$234
Mon 1/1219:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mJetstar
Wed 10/1218:30CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mJetstar
Deal found 27/10$237
Fri 28/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Tue 2/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 29/10$238
Thu 18/1221:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Thu 25/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 28/10$240
Mon 10/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Tue 18/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 29/10$241
Fri 28/1106:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Mon 1/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 29/10$243
Fri 12/1216:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Fri 19/1223:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 28/10$244
Fri 21/1121:25MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Sun 23/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Deal found 28/10$247
Wed 5/1119:45MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 20mMultiple Airlines
Fri 14/1123:55CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 29/10$249

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 30 October 2025.

Round-trip from

$232

One-way from

$118

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

March

Average price

$337

Good round-trip deal

$260 or less

Good one-way deal

$132 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 27/11-3/12
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 40m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 30/11
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 15m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 8% potential increase in price ($47 potential increase over avg. return price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 3% potential price decrease ($16 potential savings vs. average return price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 30 October 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns that are best for you.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 10/12

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Mon 15/12

19:30-23:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$235

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 1/12

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 10/12

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 26/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Wed 3/12

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$237

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Tue 25/11

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Sat 29/11

18:30-22:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$240

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 9/1

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Fri 16/1

19:30-23:55

Nonstop3h 25m

$240

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 10/11

21:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

Cairns

Fri 14/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$241

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 2/3

19:45-22:05

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Mon 16/3

14:35-19:05

Nonstop3h 30m

$246

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Fri 6/2

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Mon 9/2

14:35-19:05

Nonstop3h 30m

$246

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 20/11

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Mon 24/11

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$250

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 15/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Sun 15/3

23:55-04:20

Nonstop3h 25m

$256

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 27/10

Showing 1-10 of 23 results
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Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 24 October 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 62 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $117). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $203). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 30 October 2025.

Unlike in the morning, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 31% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the evening.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 26 October 2025.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Wednesday at midday when fares are most often at their lowest. Tuesday at midday flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 30 October 2025.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown with Virgin Australia, Qantas Airways, andJetstar from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Check prices

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Check prices

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Qantas Airways
7.5
Good
925 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Check prices

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.
Jetstar
6.5
Okay
478 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.6
Good
421 reviews
Check prices

Overall

7.6

Comfort

7.5

Entertainment

6.4

Food

6.4

Boarding

7.7

Crew

8.2

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Andrew,June 2025

MEL - CNS

We didn’t eat or drink, but feel like a sardine. No room at all.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 19 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Airlines like Jetstar fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in about 3h 15m. The time it takes to get you to your destination is usually consistent. The distance between Melbourne Airport and Cairns is about 2311 km. Most flights are nonstop.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $184 on this airline. Additional options worth looking into are Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, starting at $211 and $253 round-trip. Jetstar is priced at 43% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are Air India (97%), Emirates (93%) and Air New Zealand (93%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    On average you can expect to pay $1,519 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $112 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $223.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Sydney most often.

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Sydney?

    If you're on a stopover in Sydney and looking for things to do, consider visiting Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, or Australia Square. Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets and Australia Square are located about 9.9 km, 9.6 km, and 8.8 km, respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Sydney can hire one for about $63 per day.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?

    The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Brisbane.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Currently, May is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $117). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in September is currently the most expensive (average of $203). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Cairns?

Book flights to Cairns if you plan to visit one of these locations
Trinity Beach
Mission Beach

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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 30 October 2025.
Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Qantas Airways flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 30 October 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$184Average$315FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$211Average$397FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$253Average$604FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?

Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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